Apparatus for softening water



A. J. DOTTERWEICH APPARATUS FOR SOFTENING WATER Filed March 19 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet l A T'TORNEY Dec. 13, 1927.' A. J. DOTTERWEICH APPARATUS Fon soFTENING WATER Filed March 19 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYv ADec. 13, 1927. 1,652,70 l A. J. DoTTERwElcH APPARATUS FOR SOFTENING WATER Filed March 194 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 v INVENToR.

TTORNEY Dec. 13, 1927.

A. J. DOTTERWEICH APPARATUS FOR SOFTENING WATER Filed March 19 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN1/EN ToR. 04M@ y I 444@ ATTORNEY -Dec. 13, 1927. 1,652,710

A. J. DOTTERWEICH APPARATUS FOR SOFTENING WATER Filed March 19 1926 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENToR. MMM

TTORNEYl Patented Dec. 13, 1927.

l UNITED STATES PATENT ori-TCE.E

ANDREW J. DOTTERWEICH, 0F PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.

APPARATUS FOR SOFTENING WATER. g

Application led March 19, 1926. Serial N0. 95,872.

' softened water successively, in carrying out the successive steps of softening, back-washing, salting and flushing.

Means are provided or effecting the desired circulation through the operation of electrically controlled magnetically actuated valves for effecting the various changes in circulation in due sequence and in a simple, expeditious and economical manner.

The present invention is an improvement in that class of mechanism disclosed in my prior applications, Serial Nos. 31,313 and 91,939.

In the present invention, 'I use electrically actuated valves for establishing the several desired circulations with automatically operative circuit opening and closing means dependent on the circulation of the liquid, with attendant manually operative opening and closing switches, as hereinafter described.

Certain preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in4 which:

Fig. 1 is a view in front velevation of a water softening apparatus embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a view in side elevation of the water softening tank and circulating connections.

Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 are enlarged vertical sectional views on the line III, III, of Fig. 2 showing the valve chamber and its circulating valve-seated ports and valves in the several operative positions for softening, back-washing, salting and flushing respectively.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional detail view of the valve mechanism of one of the upper magnets.

Fig. 8 is a similar view of the valve mechanism of the lower magnet.

Fig. 9 is a similar viewof the choke nozzle.

Fig. l0 is a diagrammatic view of the circuits for the several'valve actuating mag-- nets.

Fi s. 11 and 12 are diagrammatic views showing a modified arrangement of pipin between the valve box and softening tan illustrating reverse circulations.

Fig. v13 is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing diaphragm-actuated valve mechanism.

The 'ordinary flow of hard water for lsoftening'gfi's, downwardly through the softening tank under normal pressure of the main, as the water is drawn from the delivery pipe system, except where a reverse or upward circulation is effected by use of the modified system of piping shown in Figs.

11 and 12.

The operations of (c) and (d) reushin are effected by downward circulation throu the zeolite for limited periods, under t e controlI of circulation regulating valves which are actuated by solenoid magnets.

These are energized by circuits which are closed primarily by a positively established switch-controlled circu1t,.and kept open sufciently lon to effect ow of raw water through the rine tank, and thence into the softening chamber, for regeneration.

Thereafter the circulation of raw water for softening, with the incident of backwashing, is accomplished in the usual way.

Referring to the drawings, A is the softening tank located in convenient relation to the brine tank B- for direct connection and circulation through the connecting pipe and valve system shown.

Brine tank B is open at the top for introduction of salt from time to time, and has a direct water supply branch pipe hav,- ing a cut-off valve c controlled by the usual float 6, for closing when the tank is normally filled. A branch connection 1b leads through e'ector 7 and pipe 3 to the valve box 45 or controlled circulation therethrough.

Tank B has an outlet at 3 through check valve 8 into ejector 7, check valve 8 acting to prevent raw water from backflowing into the brine tank.

The ejector 7 is actuated by mainline 1 and feeds by line 3 into chamber U of the valve box 45, mounted adjacent the softening tank A. Valve box 45 is provided with partitions arranged horizontall and vertically, formin the series of -c ambers S,

' water pipe l and leads Main supply line 1 feeds raw water to chamber S of the valve box, and a soft water delivery pipe 2 leads from chamber Y thereof for supply. Pipe 23 connects the bottom of the softening tank A with chamber V of the valve box, and a drain pipe 4 leads from chamber W thereof, for waste. v

Valve seated ports 21, 21", 21, 21, 21, 2li, 21g and 21, connect the several chambers, with double faced valves 24, 24, 24, and 24d operating thereon. Said valves are arranged to seat upwardly and downwardly by their several stems 38, each having a plunger or piston head 41 Ain a cylinder 18,

18 and 18, respectively. Each cylinder is provided with a solenoid magnet 29, 39 and 40 respectively and an enclosed armature a, of usual construction. v

The valve 24d for port 2lh normally sc ats on port 2111 by action of gravity and spring 19,'while valves 24, 24b and 24 for ports 21", 21d, and 21 are normally seated upwardly by springs 19 as shown. Each armature a is provided with a valve stem and valve a controlling water ressure through a vport a leadino to the p unger 41. When port a is closed pressure from pipe 15 acts on the plunger, and when the port is open, as in Fig. 7 the circulation passes to pipe 15 without acting on the plunger.

For the purpose of providing pressrefor actuation of the several plungers and their circulation controlling valves, a high pressure line 15 is connected with main raw to the casing 18 below the valve controlled port a, controlling pressure to the lower plunger 41 of valve 24d. p

A similar pipe 15" leads from the other side of the valve port a through check valve 16 up to the plunger casing 18il and 18b respectively, for supplying' pressure for plungers 41 therein, to actuate valves 241 and 24"".

The purpose of check valve 16 is to close ofi' any back flow of liquid through pipe 15Il from either lcylinder'18a or 18? due to leakage around pistons 41. Should any such leakage pass backinto the lower cylinder 18 it would tend to build up a pressure therein and effect undesired movement to raise valve 24d. f

The circulation between the plunger casing and the upper valve-controlled port being opened and closed by the solenoid actuated valve a 4of magnet 39 and 40 respectively, a similar pipe 15b is connected by branch connections to each of the valves, so that when the valve a is open, circulation will pass freely therethroughwithout action 'on either plunger. p

lVhen, however, one or the other or both of said valves are closed, asin Fig. 5, pressure from pipe 15a will actuate plunger 41 and close the circulation port 21, 21c and 21, if magnet 29 is energized to lower its valve a.

As shown in detail in Fig. 8 the inlet pipe 15 to casin 18 is considerably larger than its outlet pipe 15 so as to ensure effective ressure on piston 41 when valve a is open, Eecause of retarded exhaust through pipe 15, building up pressure in cylinder 18.

On the contrary, as to casings 18 and 18", Fig. 7, the inlet from pipe 15n below port a" i's relatively smaller than the outlet by pipe connections of line 15b so as to relieve pressure on piston 41 when valve a is open, for free circulation without depressing the pistons 41.

Pi e 15b is connected with chamber X by whic circulation may pass with the main current to waste 21h being open, as in Figs. 4, 5 and 6.

Line 15 is of comparatively small size and is provided with controlling valve 15 with by-pass pipe 17, leading through a pump 31 actuated by drivingmotor 31a.

Pipes 17 are also provided with valves 15d by which the circulation may be opened or closed therethrough. v

When the by-pass connection is used with valve. 15 closed and valves 15l open, circulation is forced by pump 31 through main pipe 15' at an increased pressure if desired, subject to control by the valves, whereby to positively effect the desired pressure on the several plungers 41.,

By either supply, whether direct from the main or through the pump, the pressure will be ample to move the pistons against internal pressure on valve 24d and spring 19.

A further advantage in the pump is thatl the pressure may be increased to any desired extent, independent of the presence of theV choke nozzle 14, should it not. be used.

Referring now to the electrical control system shown, this is preferably included in the installation and as a part of the system to facilitate and simplify the operation.

Referring to F ig'. 10, R is the main supply switch, and H, K, L, pole switches for opening and closing the circuit from main line o to branch conductors p, g, r, 8 and t.

Conductors p, Q and r lead to one side of magnets 29, 40 and 39 respectively, with a common return line u from magnets 29, 39 and 40. A ground connection o connects common return line u with tank A.

Conductor s closes the circuit through an indicating lamp L to an electrode w at any suitable level in tank A, to close the circuit when the brine water is'at such level.

Conductor t connects' through indicator lamp L2 with. a similar electrode y in the drain pipe 4, for short circuiting in the same way, due tothe presence of brine water.

Durin softening, switch R is open, with all the ot er Switches and all circuits open.

pipe 4, dependent on port llu M and N are single For back-washing, switches H and K are closed, energizing magnet 29, with current supply also to magnet 40. Magnet 29 will then lower its valve a as in Fig. 4, allowing pressure from line to lift piston 41, openingl port 21".

ikewise coil 40 is energized, seating valves 24" and 24 on ports 21 and 21, as in Fig. 4. After suilicient back-washing is accomplished, switch K is o ened, causing valves 24" and 24 to return y s ring 19.

For salting, switches L, M and 'are closed. Coil 39 being energized, closes port a, and water pressure from line 15 depresses plunger 41, o ening port 21" and closing port 21, as inrllig. 5.A

When lam L lights up indicating that the brine so ution has reac ed the level of electrode m in its downward movement, then the charge of brine will be sufficient, switch L is opened and the valve a will rise by spring lm.. This relieves pressure on piston 41, when spring 19\ will re-seat valve 24, closing ort 24" and opening port 21, as in Fig. 6, or iushing.

Raw water will then pass by pipe 1 ports 21", 21, and pipe 22 to tank A forcing out the brine solution ahead, and when it commences to run to the drain 4, electrode y will close circuit through t lighting lamp L2. As soon as lamp L goes out it indicates that all salt has been ushed out of the softening tank A.

Switches L, M and N are then opened, deenergizing magnet29, sea-ting valve 24d on port 21" and opening port 21, as in Fig. 3, ready for resumption of softening.

The operation is therefore as follows:

In softening, all switches It, H, K, L, M and N are open, and the circulation of hard water is from supply pipe 1 to` chamber S, through port 21, to chamber T, through port 21, to pipe 22, to the top of softener A. Then'ce down throu h the zeolite to bottom, out pipe 23 to cham r V, through open port 21, to chamber X, through port 21S, to

chamber Y, and out by soft water delivery pipe 2 to the delivery7 system, as' in Fig. 3.

In back-washing, hard water passes from main 1a to chamber S, port 21, chamber T, port 21d, chamber V, to pipe 23, and into the bottom of softener A. Thence upwardly therethrough and into the receiving terminal 22, of pipe 22, and into chamber Z, thence through port 21, chamber X, port 21", chamber W, and to drain pipe 4, as in Fig. 4.

In salting, raw water from supply line 1" induces flow of brine water from rine tank B through ejector y7 and pipe 3 to chamber U, by port 21", chamber port 21, chamber Z, and pi e 22 to the upper portion of softener A. hence' downwardly through the contents and from the bottom of pipe 23 to chamber V, port 21' chamber X, port 21", to drain pipe 4, as in 7Fig. 5.

In flushing, raw water enters chamber S by pipe 1, then through o en ort 21, chamber T, port 21", to cham er and by pipe 22 to top of softener A. The raw water passes ldownwardly therethrough and out pg' pipe 23 to chamber V, port 21, chamber port 21", chamber W, to drain pipe 4, as in back-washing and downward 'salting andflushin as above described.

In Figs. 11 and 12, I show a modified arrangement of piping and valves for such alternative circulation, by opening and closing the. proper valves.

Thus with pipes 22 and 23 connected to valve box 45 as described above, ipe 22 is branched upwardly and downwardly at 22 and is provided with an upper and a. lower control valve 50 and 51.

Likewise pipe- 23 is branched u wardl and downwardlyat 23L and is provi ed wit an up er and a lower control valve 52 and 53. pper branch line of pipe 22 is connected at 54 with an upper branch line 55 of (pipe 23 opening into the top of tank A, an lower branch llne of pipe 23 is connectedat 56 with a lower branch line 57 of pipe 22, and opens into the bottom of tank A.

By such arrangement the pi ing for either downward or upward circu ation in softening, as indicated by the arrows, is as follows:

For downward softening, with upward back-washing and downward salting and flushing, valves 51 and 52 are close and valves 50 and 53 are opened, as in Fig. 11.

For upward softening, with the same upward back-washing and downward salting and flushing, valves 50 and 53 are closed and valves 5 1 and 52 are opened, as in Fi 12.

It will be understood that upwar backwashing'is preferable in all cases, as downward back-washing tends to pack the softening material. Therefore if desired, either of such alternative circulations may be used, -although it is ordinarily preferable to soften by downward circulation.

In Fig. 13 I show a modified construction of actuating mechanism for valve 24'L or 24".

In place of the piston, a diaphragm 41 is mounted in a casing 18" an connected with the valve stem 38, and provided with a retracting sprin 19. Valve a of armature a controls circulation between the reduced feed of fluid supply pipe 15" and the relatively larger outlet to return pipe 15" through the valve port a in the same manner as above described. By such construction compound valve 24 controls circulation from brine pipe 3 or raw water pi e 1l as before, while the diaphragm 41a provldes a fluid tight head against leakage.

The pipes 15 and 15b may be connected as shown, with circulation ports of proper size formed in the head of the casing, with convenient mounting 'for the magnet. Such construction may also ber adopted for the other upper magnet 40 or the lower magnet 29, as desired.

What I claim is:

1. In a water softenin apparatus provided with a brine tank an a softening tank,

circulation controlling valve mechanism therefor consisting of a valve box provided with a raw water supply conduit, a brine water suppl conduit, a soft water deliver supply con uit, a waste conduit, a conduit connecting the valve box with the base ofthe softening tank, a conduit connecting the valve'box with the top of the softening tank, a series of valves controlling circulation within the valve box through said conduits, pistons therefor, a fluid pressure su ply and an exhaust conduit for each of sai pistons, and an intervening valve controlling circulation to said pistons.

2. In a water softenin apparatus provided with a brine tank and a softening tank, circulation controlling valve mechanism therefor consisting of a valve box provided with a raw water supply conduit, a brine water. supply conduit, a soft water delivery supply conduit, a waste conduit, a conduit connecting the valve box with the base of the softening tank, a conduit connecting the valve box with the top of the softening tank, a series of valves controlling circulation within the valve box through said conduits,

` pistons therefor, a fluid pressure supply and an exhaust conduit for each of said pistons, and an intervening valve controlling circulation to said pistons provided with an operating magnet.

3. In a water softening apparatus provided with a brine tank and a softening tank,

circulation controlling valve mechanism therefor consisting of a valve box provided with a raw water inlet conduit, a raw water conduit adapted to be connected to the softening tank, an intervening chamber having valve-controlled ports communicating with each raw water conduit, valves for each of said ports -each having a piston, piston chambers therefor, a fluid connection to each of said chambers with an intervening valvecontrolled rport, and valves for said ports each having anactuating magnet.

4. In a water softenlng apparatus provided with a brine tank anda softening tank, circulation controlling valve mechanism therefor consisting of a valve box provided with a brine water inlet conduit, a brine water outlet conduit adapted to be connected to the softening tank, an intervening chamber` having valve-controlled ports communieating with each brine water conduit, valves for each of said ports each having a piston, piston chambers therefor, a fluid connection to each of said chambers with an intervening valve controlled port, and valves for said ports each having an actuating magnet.

5. In a water softening apparatus provided with a brine tank and a softening tank, circulation controlling valve mechanism therefor consisting of a valve box provided with a soft water inlet conduit, a soft water outlet conduit, an intervening chamber having valve-controlled ports communicating with each soft water conduit, valves for each of said ports each having a piston, piston chambers therefor, a fluid connection to each of said chambers with an intervening valve controlled port, and valves for said ports each having an actuating magnet.

6. In a water softening apparatus provided with a softening tank, circulation controlling valve mechanism therefor consisting of a valve box provided with a raw' water supply conduit and a back-washing conduit leading to the softening tank, an intervening chamber having valve controlled ports communicatin with each conduit, valves for each of sald ports each havin@ a piston, pist0n chambers therefor, a fluid connection to each of said chambers with an intervening valve-controlled port, and valves for said ports each vhaving an actuating magnet.

7. In a, water softening apparatus provided with a softening tank, circulation ccntrolling valve mechanism therefor consisting of a valve box provided with a return conduit from the softening tank and a drain outlet conduit, an intervening chamber having valve-controlled orts communicating wit-h each conduit, va ves for each of said ports each having a piston, piston chambers therefor, a Huid connection to each of said chambers with an intervening valve controlled port, and valves for said ports each having an actuating magnet.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aiix my signature.

ANDREW J. DOTTERVEICH 

